International Day of Older Persons was observed in different places in the State under the theme “The Resilience and contributions of Older Women” on 1st October 2022.
It was organized by the Department of Social Welfare at Highland Park, Kohima. Advisor, Social Welfare, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Noke Wangnao graced the occasion as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Advisor shared how the Department of Social Welfare has been working for the senior citizens of the State. He said being able to live a long life is a blessing. The Advisor also urged the officers and staff of the Department to work sincerely for the Department and the welfare of society.
Speaking on the theme of the International Day of Older Persons, Commissioner & Secretary, Martha R. Ritse stated that this year’s theme is to celebrate the life of well-deserved older women who have greatly contributed to society. She added that the theme serves as a reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude.
She informed that as per the 2011 census, the elder population of Nagaland stands at 1,39,494 or roughly 7% of the total population of the State. Assuming that this proportion remains constant over the next 15 years, the Nagaland Vision 2030 stated that the number of old age people will increase to approximately 2.23 lakhs by 2030, she added.
Ritse said that the Naga society regards the presence of older persons as a blessing and they hold a special place of respect and honour. She also said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone aware of the socio-economic, environmental, health, and climate-related impacts on the lives of older persons. She said that the Department of Social Welfare has social security benefits in place for the aged and vulnerable, and these are provided through various National Social Assistance programmes.
During the occasion, the state-level distinguished senior citizens award was presented to Dr. Joyce Zinyu Angami and Prof. Talitsuba Alinger. Dr. Joyce is a doctor by profession who is involved with many NGOs and organizations. She has worked in the United Kingdom as Senior House Officer & Registrar in Gynae/ Obstetrics and Venereology and served as NGO Advisor, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society among many other roles. Currently, Dr. Joyce is the President of Nagaland State Medical Council, Executive Director of Society for the Welfare of Children Affected by HIV and AIDS, and Medical Officer, ODIC Kripa Foundation. While, Prof. Talitsuba Alinger is an educator who served as a lecturer and later as a professor in history at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung. He also served as the Director of School Education and SCERT.
The district-level distinguished senior citizens award for Kohima district was presented to Vizosul Luho of Khuzama village and Vitole Sothu of Viswema village.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Joyce Zinyu Angami expressed gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare for recognizing her work by bestowing the award on her. She said that it was her passion and her calling to work for society, especially the marginalized and chemical abused people of the society. Prof. Talitsuba Alinger in his speech urged the senior citizens to strive for the cause of the people with their vast experiences and lessons of the past.
Director, Social Welfare, Tosheli Zhimomi delivered the welcome address while Additional Director, Nokcharenla Longchar proposed the vote of thanks. A special song was presented by Manngam and Konang.
A health mela was also conducted by the Department of Health & Family Welfare in observance of the International Day of Older Persons where the senior citizens were provided free medical services.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
